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66
The number of children with ringworm of the toes has greatly
decreased but verrucae (plantar warts) are still a problem. Cases
tend to be grouped in certain schools but individual cases are
scattered throughout all schools. It is difficult to trace source of
spread, but early detection and treatment of cases and the cessation
of barefoot dancing classes and the use of communal plimsols has
helped to prevent spread of infection in some schools. Both these
last measures, while expedient, are to be regretted, and the Physical
Education Department are concerned about the number of children
who do not get full benefit from these activities if they wear
outdoor shoes for dancing and physical training. Many parents
have willingly provided their children with plimsols or sandals but
in a substantial number of cases this has not been done.
Badly fitting shoes are still found in about 15% of children and
in the senior girls schools it is about 25%. Bad types of shoes are
found, particularly, in the secondary modern schools. The popularity
of the slip-on "casual" is still great and both it and the
high heels are harmful to growing feet. Many parents still express
surprise that children grow out of their shoes so quickly but the
experience of the Ealing Contributory Shoe Scheme showed that
a pair of shoes usually becomes short after about 3-4 months wear.
While there is still no shoe on the market which is both cheap and
well made, children will continue to wear shoes which are outgrown.
A total of 322 children were referred for treatment—314 to
the foot clinic, 175 to the chiropodist and 33 to the orthopaedic
surgeon.

FOOT HEALTH EDUCATION.
The Foot Consultation Clinics have given opportunity for
discussion of individual problems with parents, and a chance to
direct their attention to the salient points of good foot health.